March 26, 2013, Golden, CO- On Saturday, April 6, 2013, the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum will host the fourth annual Hall of Mountaineering Excellence gala and induction ceremony to celebrate the achievements of five legendary mountaineers.

The event will be held at the American Mountaineering Center at 710 10th Street in Golden, Colorado. Doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $125 for couples and can be purchased at www.hallofmountaineeringexcellence.org.

Nick Clinch received the American Alpine Club Gold Medal Award in 2006 for lifetime achievement and is regarded as one of America’s most successful expedition leaders, having led the first ascent of Gasherbrum in 1958 and Masherbrum in 1960. Nick published A Walk in the Sky in 1982 and Through a Land of Extremes: The Littledales of Central Asia with his wife Elizabeth Clinch in 2011.

Barry Corbet, a member of the 1963 Everest Expedition, was a climber and extreme skier, who set routes around the world and in his back yard, Grand Teton National Park. Corbet was injured in a helicopter crash in 1968, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He recovered and continued kayaking and co-producing films. He was a leading force in the disabled community and editor of the magazineNew Mobility. Barry passed away in 2004 at age the age of 68.

Norman Dyhrenfurth, a Swiss-American mountaineer, was responsible for assembling the team of 19 mountaineers and scientists for the 1963 Everest Expedition. The Expedition included 900 porters carrying about 26 tons of food, clothing, equipment and scientific instruments. Norman is an accomplished cameraman and director, and was head of the UCLA Film School in the 1950s. He worked on films such as Five Days One Summer and Eiger Sanction, as well as the TV show Americans on Everest.

Jeff Lowe was a seminal force in the evolution of modern ice-climbing. His cutting edge equipment and clothing designs have made a significant impact on the mountaineering and climbing world. He worked for the Colorado Outward Bound School in his early years and continues to inspire climbers of all ages. He is credited with many notable first ascents in North American, the Himalayas and Karakoram.

Peter Metcalf is the CEO of Black Diamond Equipment Company and was one of the co-founders in 1989. Peter was a pioneer alpinist in Alaska in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with notable ascents on Fairweather, Foraker, Denali and most notoriously, Mount Hunter. He is also a strong voice for the preservation of Utah wild lands.

The Hall of Mountaineering Excellence Gala will honor each mountaineer for his accomplishments on and off the mountain, recounting stories of first ascents and expeditions and fond memories of those no longer with us. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, catered dinner, fundraiser and guest panel presentation featuring members from the 1963 Everest Expedition and moderated by First Ascent athlete Jake Norton.

About the MuseumThe American Mountaineering Museum opened in February 2008 as North America’s first museum devoted to the stories and achievements of American mountaineers. Located at 710 10th Street in Golden, Colorado, the Museum takes visitors through the historic early days of mountaineering adventure from the use of hemp rope and hobnail boots, to the high tech gear of the present day. Topics include mountaineering heroism, gear, culture, high peaks, safety, climate change, inspiration and art. The American Mountaineering Museum is a joint venture between the Colorado Mountain Club and the American Alpine Club. For more information, call 303-996-2763, email info@mountaineeringmuseum.org, or visit www.mountaineeringmuseum.org.

About the AAC

The American Alpine Club is a community of ardent climbers united by alpine ideals. We celebrate courage and achievement. We watch out for one another. We band together to support the climbing way of life. And we protect the places we climb, along with climbing itself. Learn more atwww.americanalpineclub.org.

About the Colorado Mountain Club

The Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to adventure, education and preservation in Colorado. Established in 1912 by mountaineering enthusiasts, CMC now has more than 7,000 members statewide who explore and protect the wild areas of Colorado. CMC offers hundreds of events and classes for all ages and abilities. Throughout its history, the club has been instrumental in landmark achievements such as the designation of Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, and the passage of the Wilderness Act. To become a member, visit www.cmc.org.